What is an Effective School Leader

So far this course has had a profound effect on my thoughts on the qualities of an effective leader in many ways.  To begin, I realized that an effective leader must be a “lamb”.  I would imagine it is easy for leaders to get trapped in the “superman” trap, the feeling that he/she must be everything to everyone.  To avoid this trap, I believe it is important to  have a strong leadership team and empower everyone in the school.  

Additionally, it has been very eye opening to see the many “hats” an effective leader must play. As mentioned in the voice thread, it seems that an effective leader has to be everything from a counselor, to a parent, to an architect.   However, perhaps  tthe most important leadership skills are mentioned by Murphy when he discusses being a member of the community who respects and doesn’t “ignore the unheroic side of lower level staff” and his idea of reciprocity; the realization that “if you don’t listen to others, they won’t listen to you”. 

After years in a building with this type of leader, I can see the importance of these skills. It is this type of leader who builds a we and us type of community instead of an us and them feeling.   In my district, the teachers just agreed to a pay freeze for the next four years because they knew that the alternative would hurt the students and the district as a whole.  We realize that although there may be differences of opinions, we all are in it together.  My husband works in a district with an us and them type of feeling and it is very disheartening.  Decisions are seen as imposed instead of discussed.  The teachers have been on strike nine times in 35 years.  It is a well-paid position, the school provides a lot for the students, but he hates it.  He hates going to work and doesn’t feel effective or respected in the district.  And, what makes it worse is he has an EdD and could be seen as a resource and staff leader.

I believe the top three characteristics a leader must have are vision, integrity, and savvy. 

·      Vision:  Vision is essential for a leader and for the entire school community.  But, for a vision to be authentic, it there are a few essential characteristics.  I agree with Murphy’s description of the vision as a blueprint.  But, a blueprint isn’t a final version.  I believe that the vision should be clearly communicated to the staff, but again it is essential to respect and hear the other staff members.  As Murphy discusses, the principal can/should be a driving force, but “involve other key actors while clarifying and synthesizing views”, thus creating a truly shared vision.

·      Integrity-  I think this is the characteristic that is the most transparent.  Leaders must, as Evans points out stand for something and live and breathe that value.  I think one of the most discouraging things to see is a leader who is blown by the wind and doesn’t seem to know what they believe in, perhaps being just a messenger from voices above.  Of course, the district vision must be upheld, but just as the principal should hear the teachers, principals and upper leadership should express their viewpoint in the district.

·      Savvy  -  Although this characteristic is important, I’m not sure it can be taught or learned by anything except experience or time.  Just as teachers learn the “art” of teaching, I believe a true leader begins to learn the art of leadership through experience and continuous learning.  Leaders must learn to balance the roles and use different skills at different times.  They most also learn to rely on others who possess skills that they be lacking.

Obviously, my thoughts on being an effective leader will change throughout the course, program, and experience.  But, at its core, I believe that these skills or characteristics are the ones that will help a leader rise to his/her utmost ability